News Updates - April 7, 2010

Code change training on the 2010 OEESC at no cost

In 2009, the Oregon Legislature directed BCD to amend the state building codes to
reduce energy use in new commercial construction by 15-20%. The 2010 Oregon Energy
Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC), which is scheduled for adoption on July 1, 2010,
will do just that.

BCD is planning a series of free four-hour energy code change trainings during June
and July 2010 in anticipation of the code adoption. This course is required code
change training for inspectors performing inspections under the OSSC. This training
will focus on 'what's changed and what's stayed the same' in the transition to the
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) format- what you need to know
about the new OEESC. Subjects will include among others:

Committee to meet regarding specialized inspector certifications

A rulemaking advisory committee has been formed to assist the division in developing
rules for the implementation of Phase II of House
Bill 3462, which was passed by the 2009 Legislature. Phase II authorizes the
division to create a pilot program for specialized inspector certifications. This
newly formed committee will focus exclusively on the second phase of rulemaking for
HB 3462, related to certification and training of specialized inspectors. The bill's
other major component, Phase I, related to inspector and building official certification
renewals is currently in its final stages of implementation.

The HB 3462 Phase II Committee will be holding its first meeting on Tuesday, April
13 at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Building Codes Division's office in
West Salem. Check out the committee's
Web site for more information or to subscribe for email updates on upcoming meetings
and committee activities.

For questions or further information please contact Dana Fischer, para tech specialist,
at 503-373-0226 or dana.c.fischer@state.or.us.

Solar Code Committee Update

The Solar Code Committee is getting ready to move on to the Administrative section
of the Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code (OSISC). The Committee will address
the last few installation requirements at its next meeting, April 15th, at 1:30-4:00
p.m. Remaining provisions include mechanical clearances, attachment to structural
supports, and the prescriptive installation path. The Committee approved the Fire
Fighter access provisions at its last meeting and is expected to approve the prescriptive
installation path at the meeting on April 15. The Committee's next move is to begin
looking at the administrative provisions. These provisions will largely mirror those
contained in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, except the plan review permitting
and inspection requirements. The provisions will be uniform throughout the state,
streamlining the solar installation process where installers follow the prescriptive
path.

To accompany the OSISC, the division is drafting a proposed solar licensing rule
clarifying the licensing requirements for solar photovoltaic installations. The Electrical
and Elevator Board approved the rule for a public hearing on May 18th at 9:30 a.m.

Reach Code Development Underway

On March 31, the division held the first of the Reach
Code Development Advisory Committee meetings. During the brief introductory meeting
the division explained the goals of the Reach Code and described the process the
division will follow. The origin of the Reach Code is Senate Bill 79 passed during
the 2009 legislative session. The code will function in much the same way as the
Statewide Alternate Methods that can be utilized at the option of the builder. The
Reach Code will be an optional set of construction standards that will result in
a more energy efficient structure than one built under the statewide mandatory code.
The bill defines energy efficiency broadly to include methods or products that reduce
the reliance on fossil or other fuel sources.

The division chose the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), an International
Code Council (ICC) code, as the base model document. The committee will be considering
specific Oregon amendments to the model. The 45-day period for code amendment proposals
opened March 23rd. Proposals should include specific code language and focus on energy
efficiency. All Reach Code proposals must be received by May 7.

The next meeting of this advisory committee will be held April 14 at 1:30-4:00 p.m.
in the division's conference room A. The meeting will focus on various financial
incentives available for energy efficient construction. Energy Trust of Oregon and
the Oregon Department of Energy will both be giving presentations to update the committee
on the incentives available. A representative of the ICC will also give a brief presentation
on the IGCC. The Reach
Code Committee Web page on the BCD Web site has a link to sign up for updates.
For additional information feel free to contact Aeron Teverbaugh at aeron.teverbaugh@state.or.us
or at 503-373-2160.

Commercial Green Building Web-based course a success

The Building Codes Division has been piloting different types
of Web-based courses over the last two years. On March 23 and
25 they hosted a virtual classroom course on Commercial Green
Building and the Building Code with instructors who were located
in their own offices in Portland, Seattle and BCD's West Salem
office. The class participants were from all over the state. The
course used the iLinc platform, which lets the instructors show
presentations, ask questions and share their desktop (programs
on their computers that are being used as part of a presentation).
The program has lots of other interactive capabilities including
the ability of participants to raise their virtual hand to ask
or answer questions. The course included breakout sessions each
day, where the participants were separated into small groups with
a facilitator to discuss a scenario. The groups came back together
and presented their findings to the whole class, all through cyberspace.

Many city and county officials participated in the training and were pleased that
they were able to be at their desk with a set of headphones on, instead of spending
several hours driving and a day away from the office. The other participants included
architects, engineers, and designers that were happy to get connected with and learn
how the Oregon Building Codes can work with them in this age of green building. They
were also pleased that they did not need to travel or even leave the office to make
this connection.

BCD will continue to provide Web based classes to the many audiences interested
in their course topics. This summer there will be an online course for the Oregon
Energy Efficiency Specialty Code, which goes into effect July 1, 2010.

For questions or more information please contact Sherri West, training coordinator,
at 503-373-7509 or sherri.d.west@state.or.us.

Enforcement

Summary of enforcement cases presented
to the State Plumbing BoardSummary report: These cases were resolved
by the division's enforcement section without going to a contested case hearing.
No action was required by the State Plumbing Board.

Summary of enforcement cases presented
to the State Electrical and Elevator BoardSummary report:
These cases were resolved by the division's enforcement section
without going to a contested case hearing. No action was required
by the State Electrical and Elevator Board.Final orders
after hearing: These cases went to a contested case hearing.
Each penalty assessment was reviewed and approved by the State
Electrical and Elevator Board.